More ‘Water on Tap’ refill stations in the City

Released 20/03/2015

The ACT Government today unveiled five new ‘Water on Tap’ refill stations in the City to encourage Canberrans to make healthy drink choices and promote sustainable development.

As part of the ACT Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement, and in an effort to reduce the use of disposable bottles and increase fresh tap water consumption, the ACT Government is installing 30 water stations with refill taps in public places across Canberra.

The ACT Government wants to make it easier for the community to make environmental and healthy lifestyle choices. Encouraging people to carry reusable bottles and access fresh tap water instead of purchasing sugary drinks is just one way we can achieve healthy weight outcomes while also reducing waste to landfill.

Ten water stations are being fitted out at sportsgrounds, while the remaining 20 water stations are being progressively installed in popular public spaces as voted by over 600 people during community consultation in 2014. Along with the City locations, other sites include Woden Town Square, Erindale Shops, the National Arboretum, Tuggeranong Town Park and Lake Ginninderra District Park.
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury said plastic water bottles are an environmental hazard.

“The production of plastic water bottles uses valuable fossil fuels and resources and, although plastic bottles are recyclable, 65% end up in landfill. The introduction of water refill stations aims to reduce landfill requirements and reduce the cost of processing recycling material from public places,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“Importantly, the water refill stations are wheelchair and child friendly with the bubbler and one refill nozzle positioned at a suitable height. They are also vandal resistant and easy to maintain.

“By installing these new water refill stations, it will be easier than ever for the community to locate and access free, fresh tap water when out in public. I look forward to seeing more Canberran’s making water their drink of choice,” Mr Rattenbury concluded.

The ACT Government has invested $380,000 in the drinking fountains project, with all new water stations to be installed by July 2015. A full list of the water refill station locations can be found at the end of this release.